Many people believe a hummingbird’s diet consists purely of sugary nectar because they are often seen hovering at feeders or flowers. This perception, however, overlooks a significant part of their nutritional intake. While the tiny birds consume carbohydrates, they cannot survive on sugar alone. The question of whether hummingbirds eat bees and wasps points to the complexity of their diet, which requires animal protein.
Hummingbird Diet Composition
A hummingbird’s life is defined by a high metabolism, which demands a constant supply of energy to power their rapid wingbeats. Nectar, whether from flowers or human feeders, serves as the primary fuel source, providing the simple sugars needed for immediate energy. This carbohydrate-rich liquid can be digested quickly, allowing the birds to maintain flight and body temperature.
Despite being a high-octane fuel, nectar is nutritionally incomplete, lacking the necessary fats, minerals, and proteins for growth and maintenance. To balance their diet, hummingbirds must consume small insects and spiders, which provide these missing components. While nectar is the source of energy, these tiny arthropods are the building blocks of their bodies. In fact, invertebrates may constitute up to 80% of a hummingbird’s diet by volume during certain periods.
The Necessity of Protein
Hummingbirds require protein to obtain essential amino acids that their bodies cannot produce. These amino acids are necessary for the development and repair of flight muscles, which endure constant strain. Protein is also required for the synthesis of new feathers during molting and for supporting overall immune function.
The need for protein becomes heightened during the breeding season, particularly for females. A female preparing to lay eggs must increase her protein intake dramatically to support egg production. Nestlings are fed an almost exclusive diet of protein-rich arthropods to ensure rapid growth and development. Without an adequate supply of insects, successful reproduction is not possible.
How Hummingbirds Catch Insects
Hummingbirds are skilled insect predators, employing distinct hunting methods to capture their prey. One common technique is “hawking,” where the bird sally-flies from a perch to catch a small insect directly in mid-air. They use their exceptional flight control and speed to pursue and snatch tiny, fast-moving prey like gnats and flies. High-speed video studies show that hummingbirds can flex their lower jaw downward to widen their mouth opening for a successful mid-air capture.
The other primary foraging method is “gleaning,” which involves plucking stationary or slow-moving arthropods from surfaces. A hummingbird may hover-glean, snatching a spider from a web or an aphid from a leaf while hovering in place. They also inspect bark, twigs, and the inside of flowers for small insects or larvae. These hunting techniques allow the birds to acquire a steady supply of protein throughout the day.
Specifics of Bee and Wasp Consumption
Hummingbirds do consume bees and wasps, but their diet primarily includes the smaller, less aggressive species. They typically target tiny parasitic wasps or small solitary bees that are similar in size to gnats or fruit flies. The bird’s narrow bill and jaw structure are not suited for capturing and manipulating large, stinging insects like yellow jackets or hornets.
When a hummingbird encounters a suitable, small wasp, the capture is executed with speed and precision. The small prey is swallowed whole immediately, minimizing the risk of a counterattack. While they may occasionally be seen interacting with larger wasps at feeders, the larger, more dangerous species are avoided as a food source. The consumption of these small, stinging insects ensures the necessary protein intake for survival.